Monthly Archives: October 2016

Affordable Housing is a charged topic for many people; especially if there is talk of building something nearby. It prompts all kinds of questions and concerns, and even fear in us. This is especially true if we have little or no direct experience or knowledge of what this might mean. So what does it mean?

Here’s the crux of it: People need homes. And sometimes homes are difficult to afford. Approximately one in four Edmontonians have trouble affording housing, meaning they spend more than 30% of their monthly income on rent; with more than 40,000 households paying more than 50%.

There are many different ways to help meet the need for Affordable Housing, but the reality is that there is no one solution that addresses every situation. Responding to the needs of our neighbours involves a whole range of strategies, and supports. While there are no specific proposals for developments that include Affordable Housing units in these areas, in the next few years and subject to approved government subsidy funding, several local neighbourhoods will be asked to open their communities to new neighbours. These projects will take different forms, but in every case a neighbourhood will have to choose how they will respond.

To help neighbourhoods consider how they can respond, CRIHI has two workshops coming up entitled Homes 4 our Neighbours.

If these neighbourhoods are home for you or your faith community, please help spread the word. Invite a neighbour, and come join the conversation! Share your perspective on how communities can respond to new projects and new neighbours finding home next door.